It's that time of year again, and I've got the travel bug! The adventures will begin with the whole family in Vietnam and Cambodia. After my dad flies home, my ma, sister, and I will explore the beaches of Thailand. Then, my sister and I are let loose to roam Southeast Asia heading towards Nepal and northern India. Mid April I fly to Zambia to volunteer for a month at Appeased School before starting work in San Francisco. Ready or not, HERE I COME!

Friday, April 11, 2014

Trekking to Richland!

Hellooooo from the rooftop patio at the Richland Hotel in
Inle Lake! We made it!!! We’ve trekked from Kalaw to Inle (with a little help
from a truck). Normally the root takes three days and two nights. Our schedule didn’t
allow that much time so we signed up for the two day trek and drove the first
part. Thinking back on it, thank god we didn’t do the three day because I’m
sore just from the two day!

We trekked through rolling hills filled with chili, ginger,
and potatoes plantations with a few rice patties thrown in there. At one point
we were on a single track following a farmer and his cows! We passed through
many villages with little kids coming out of houses, barns, and behind trees
just to wave “Ming-la-ba” (Hello).

Since our cook’s tire popped in route to the first day’s
lunch, and therefore lunch took 3 hours instead of 1, the last part of our trek
was in the dark. We arrived at the farmer’s house around 7pm. Once again, the
guests, us Westerners, ate in one room while the family and guide ate in
another. I’m curious about the dinner guest customs because twice now the
family has eaten separately from the guests. By 9 pm Suzie, the French couple,
and myself were playing dice while everyone else was asleep. Clearly we had no
idea we’d be up before dawn to finish the hike. Sure enough breakfast was on
the table by 6 am and we started the hike groggy and far before my sleepy eyes
woke up.

The temperature varies tremendously here. At night you’re in
jeans with a light jacket and by mid-day all you want to do is swim in a cool
lake. So it was probably a good idea to hike before it starts getting hot
around 9am. As per usual, we were a little late and got to Richland sound 5 pm.
A nice, clean bed in our own room has never felt so good!